The house on the corner of West Hays and 9th St, can be described as built with a craftsman-like focus on the wood detail, but structured like that of Queen Anne with a slight hint of Victorian trim and in the windows. Upon arrival to the building, one takes notice of the craftsman/bungalow style overhang above the front porch and entrance.
Currently owned by Chuck and L’Tanya Self, it’s previous owner had received it from family, and records before indicate it was frequently rented out. Owned first by a Mrs. Moore (or Moar, but documents available have proven unhelpful in correcting this), it was occupied by several different people and families at different times, being that the house was split into several different living quarters. Current residents of the house take use of two of the three sections. Altogether the structure has 2.25 bathrooms, and 3 bedrooms with a total of 2,377 sq. ft.
With two stories, a basement, and armed with a turret, the structure almost guards over the rest of the block. With the Idaho State Penitentiary built just 28 years prior, one could question whether the turret could’ve been influenced by ones on that structure. But it was probably because turrets are awesome. The turret on the home is ornately furnished with a golden spire and sphere on top.
Erected 12-14 years after the completion of the Boise capitol, and just 3.5 city blocks away, the building was among few in the area, just past the edge of town where we now call the North End. Idaho being made the 43rd state in 1890, and the Milner Dam being built brought many new residents to Boise. Expansion was necessary and this building was one of the first constructed with such regards. The Boise City Historic Preservation Commission recognized the historical importance of this building in 1995 by giving the Award for Excellence in Historical Preservation
When one takes notice at the architecture in the North End, many different styles stand out. With roots in Frank Lloyd Wright, prairie, ranch, craftsman, bungalow, and shingle style houses can all be found. Even styles such as stick, national, and art deco make appearances. But few stand out like the historical, longstanding, Queen Anne architectural structures. Distinctive features of this building’s Queen Anne style characteristics are overhanging eaves, a polygonal tower, differing wall textures, patterned wood shingles, and a bay window at the kitchen sink overlooking the backyard. Inside the home are several balustrades going up the staircase, fashioned with delicate wood’s work. The current staircase is the same one that was built with the house.
Interesting Facts:
The building was had previous uses as a nanny’s corner in the 1930s, and a women’s abuse center in 1980s.
The current owner states that it was built on a section of the Oregon Trail.
There is a small crawl down cellar accessible by basement hatch doors in the back.
House has two car park ports in the alleyway, but three residentially reserved on the street.

A Note On Accuracy
The Idaho Architecture Project (IAP) is a community engagement initiative from Preservation Idaho. All images on this website were taken by IAP participants unless otherwise noted. This catalog consists of submissions from community members, students, historians and preservation experts. Because of the varied nature of these submissions from novice to expert, there may be historical or narrative inaccuracies. Please contact us to report any necessary corrections.